Ooof! Last week was a doozy in New York City. We got pummeled with snow and slush and more snow. If you've been feeling blue, and think you might be going crazy - you're not alone. Seasonal Affective Disorder aka S.A.D. is totally a thing, and it affects millions of people - especially young women - each year. The reduced levels of sunlight during winter months can affect your circadian rhythm, serotonin, and melatonin levels - causing you to feel irritable, hopeless and depressed. But hang in there friends - spring is right around the corner! Keep reading to learn how SAD affects me:

While I'm generally a pretty upbeat and positive person, winter really gets me. As the days grow cold and dark, I become lethargic, anti-social, and depressed. It happens every year, and yet it always takes me by surprise. For me it's especially bad in February and March, when my tolerance for cold, dreary days has been depleted. I know I shouldn't feel depressed - I live an incredible life, and I have so much to be grateful for. Yet sometimes it's not enough - sometimes my heart aches for something more that I can't put my finger on. Last Monday I woke up crying for no particular reason, and I couldn't shake the sadness all day. My boyfriend was so sweet and tried to cheer me up, but I couldn't stop leaking tears. It's one week later, and I'm still struggling to feel "normal" again.

I know things will get better in a few weeks. Once the temperature picks up and the sun starts to shine, my troubles will melt away like snow drifts. There's nothing quite like Spring in New York - soon enough we'll be dancing through the streets, hugging strangers, and laughing gleefully, as though winter were nothing but a long-forgotten dream. Until then, hold on to your hats and rain boots! We got this.

Does winter ever get you down, and how do you cope? I'd love to hear your stories.